What is fibromalygia?

Fibromyalgia is. . .: Fibromyalgia is a collection of symptoms of persistent widespread pain, stiffness, fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, & often with other unexplained symptoms. It typically occurs in young or middle-aged women, but can affect anyone. The cause is not known, but drugs that affect the nervous system (like anti-seizure drugs) seem to help, so it may be a type of neurological disorder.

Criteria for FM: Fm is a common syndrome associated w/widespread pain; may be accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, stiffness, cognitive/ memory problems, anxiety, depression. To meet criteria for diagnosis: widespread pain in all 4 quadrants of body for >3 months and 11-18 tender points (determined by md). New criteria have been proposed referring to a "widespread pain index" and a "symptom severity score".

Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.